Migraines & headaches decisions — 2013

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a headache disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current headaches to his military service.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred on May 5, 2010 at Florida Hospital Flagler are granted as the condition was an emergent one and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has determined that the earliest evidence of a worsening of the Veteran's migraine headaches with overlying tension headaches, consistent with the criteria for a 30 percent rating, is dated July 17, 2006. Therefore, an effective date of July 17, 2006, but no earlier, has been granted.

The Veteran's chronic headache disability had its onset during active military service and the Board has granted entitlement to service connection for headaches.

The Veteran's service-connected headaches are characterized by characteristic prostrating attacks occurring at least once a month that require avoidance of loud noises, rest in a dark room, and/or medication. Although frequent, the headaches do not completely prostrate or prolong and are not severe enough to cause severe economic inadaptability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeal for further development, including obtaining her complete service treatment records and VA treatment records. A VA examination is also needed to address her claims of PTSD and a respiratory disorder.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, tinnitus, and bilateral flat feet. The claim for a left ankle disability was withdrawn by the Veteran during his hearing on appeal. The claim for a left wrist disability was also withdrawn.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Decision Review Officer at the Baltimore, Maryland RO and issuance of a statement of the case on the effective date issue. The claims for service connection for headaches and caesarean section scars are also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's occipital neuralgia with migraine headaches are manifested by moderately severe headaches that are not prostrating in nature, and thus do not warrant a disability rating greater than the current 30 percent.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and residuals of a CVA are mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The decision is pending further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, stroke residuals, and cluster headaches. The evidence did not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's total abdominal hysterectomy with left salpingo-oophorectomy is granted as secondary to her service-connected residuals of laparoscopy.,A temporary total convalescence rating under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 following surgery for the total abdominal hysterectomy in July 2006 is also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the relationship of the Veteran's current migraines and bilateral foot fungus to his period of service. The case will be returned for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's headaches were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,A bilateral hearing loss disability was not shown during service or for many years thereafter, and the weight of the probative evidence is against a finding that a current bilateral hearing loss disability is related to active military service.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, including hearing loss, tinnitus, a lumbar spine disorder, a right elbow disorder, gastritis, and PTSD. The RO has denied these claims in part and remanded the case for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to a delay caused by the Veteran's attorney requesting more documents, and the Veteran was offered another video conference hearing. The claims for service connection are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, claimed as residuals of a head injury during his military service from 1971 to 1973, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining relevant medical records and determining if there was any pre-existing condition or aggravation beyond normal progression.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant, through his authorized representative.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various gastrointestinal and psychiatric conditions, as well as a crushed right foot with bone spur, are granted.